Page 45 of For One Night

Millie spent the night after I begged her to go with me to lunch tomorrow. I’m excited to meet Reese and her friends, but the nerves are real. The next morning, I put on a fashion show trying to find an outfit that doesn’t scream old maid.

“Are you sure I don’t look ridiculous?” I stop in front of the glass at the restaurant, checking myself out. I decided on jeans and t-shirt that reads Myrtle Beach.

“You look like a tourist, not a bad thing at the beach.”

I slump over. “Not a good thing either.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, c’mon!” She tugs me through the door.

I scan the room, pointing as soon as I spot Reese over in the back corner. “There she is.”

“Oh, a full table.” Millie grins.

Reese stands, waving us over. “Hey, y’all. Come on over and grab a chair.” She pulls me into a hug. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too.” I step to the side, motioning to Millie. “Do you remember Millie?”

“I do.” She takes Millie’s hand. “Hi, there. I’m so happy y’all could make it.”

Millie snickers. “I love your accent!”

“I don’t have an accent, Charlee does.” She points to the blonde across from her. “This is Lola and Millie. Ladies, this is our tribe: Charlee, Lea, Ava, Torri, Sarah, Emerson, Ryver, and Willow. Maisyn couldn’t make it, but she’ll be here next time, and Thayer’s on her way.” She pants. “Shew, y’all. We may need to cut some people from this thing. Who hasn’t paid their dues?”

I cut my eyes at Millie. “Are there dues?”

“No, I’m joking.” Reese laughs.

I fan my reddening face with my hand. “You had me, that was bad.”

“Lawyers,” Charlee scoffs. “Only they think they’re funny.”

A lady with long dark hair walks up to us. “Lola?”

“Yes.” She walks over, putting her arm around me.

“I’m Thayer, Hardy’s wife.” I jump up, wrapping her in my arms.

“It’s so good to meet you!” I’m not so nervous now. “I didn’t know you were coming today.”

“Uncle Phillip told Hardy you moved to town, so when Reese mentioned you, I had no doubt it had to be you.” She smiles, sitting beside me.

I turn to Millie, smiling at her. “This is my cousin, Hardy’s, wife. Thayer, this is Amelia, or Millie as I call her.”

“Girl, you’re gorgeous.” Thayer leans over me to shake her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“And you.” Thayer releases her hand, and Millie pulls her phone out. “I’m starting a spreadsheet of who’s who.”

“You’re gonna need more than that for Lea’s family alone!” Thayer says as everyone laughs. “She’s my sister-in-law.”

“Shut it, hag!” The strawberry blonde elbows her. “We’re one big, happy family. Welcome.”

“I mentioned we needed to find y’all some dates.” Reese sips her drink.

It’s Millie’s turn to jab me in the side. “So, you know some single ladies?”

“Lord, honey, yes!” a woman with bright pink hair says. “I’m Ava. Between all of us, we know so many people.”

Millie’s speechless. She tends to like to shock people. This time, no one bats an eyelash as they all keep talking, and we order drinks with our lunch. Before I know it, we’ve chatted the two hours away.